Advancing Green Roofs in Ontario:How we can become a leader in innovative, effective green roofs

Prepared by:

Mathis NatvikHon.B.Sc.LEED AP

www.roofgarden.ca

Prepared for:

TorontoGreen Building

Festival

Sept 9-10, 2008

Presentation Summary

Green Roof Myths

Technical and Functional

Characteristics

– “Need to know’s”

Values of Green Roofs

Green Roof Trouble

Shooting

How to advance our green

roof market – lessons from

mature markets

Innovations to take

Ontario into the lead

Green Roof Myths

Green roofs are leaky

Leaks are too difficult

to find on green roofs

Green roofs are too

heavy for most

buildings

Green roofs are difficult

to re-roof

Green roofs are high

maintenance

Technical and Functional Characteristics – “Need to know’s”

Modern green roofs

have evolved into

sophisticated roofing

systems with

exceptional performance

characteristics

The benefits of these

functions vary based on

building context

Values of Green Roofs

Private:

Extended Roof Life

Low maintenance

Lower energy use for A/C

on short buildings

Increased building value

Improved views over roof

decks from upper floors

Enhanced public profile

Improved views from

other buildings

Reduction in urban

heat island

Storm water mitigation

Increase biodiversity in

urban environments

Reduce waste and

pollution associates

with re-roofing

Public:

Values of Green Roofs

Local Research - NRC

Green Roof Trouble ShootingEliminating risks through sound design

Design Must Prevent Following:

Fire and Wind lift

Loss or Displacement of Growing Medium

Handling Severe Storms (eg. hurricane)

Clogged Roof Drainage

Dead plants

Avoiding excessive irrigation and water demand

Acidification of Growing Mediums

Transition Zones between green and non-green roof areas

How to advance our green roof market – lessons from mature markets

Local research must quantify: Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Technical Performance

Product Safety

Environmental Benefits

Social Benefits

Plant Performance Research

Growing Medium Performance

Research can support development of standards and policies

Standards will encourage major growth of green roof projects and lead to: Local Product Development

Eliminating Insurance Barriers

Consumer confidence

Innovations to take Ontario into the lead

Green roof properly integrated

into site building design

Taking advantage of views

Innovative use of water

(rainwater harvesting, grey

water use, etc)

Realizing plant potential for

use on roofs through

experimentation

Providing green space for

occupants

Demonstrating Wildlife

Potential

Innovations to take Ontario into the lead

Green roof properly integrated

into site building design

Taking advantage of views

Innovative use of water

(rainwater harvesting, grey

water use, etc)

Realizing plant potential for

use on roofs through

experimentation

Providing green space for

occupants

Demonstrating Wildlife

Potential

Encourage local industry to

take lead and create supplies

of green roof components

Encourage development of

local plant production based

on proven research

Demonstrate green roof

design that is well integrated

into building and site

Break into residential market

and make it affordable

Innovations to take Ontario into the lead

Encourage local industry to

take lead and create supplies

of green roof components

Encourage development of

local plant production based

on proven research

Demonstrate green roof

design that is well integrated

into building and site

Break into residential market

and make it affordable

Innovations to take Ontario into the lead

Discussion

Prepared by:

Mathis NatvikHon.B.Sc.LEED AP

www.roofgarden.ca

Prepared for:

TorontoGreen Building

Festival

Sept 9-10, 2008